Tesla car tows 787-9 Dreamliner

In a world first, a Tesla Model X P100D, with the greatest pulling power of any electric passenger vehicle, has pulled Qantas’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The all-electric SUV Tesla successfully towed the Dreamliner as part of a Guinness World Record attempt, as the heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle.

The Tesla towed the 130-tonne 787, going well beyond its road tow rated capacity of 2.5 tonnes. Its dual electric motors generated a huge amount of torque, powering the Model X with enough strength to tow the 787 almost 300 metres. The plane wasn’t carrying any passengers and had only a small amount of fuel on board.

Sustainable future

Qantas is using electric power more in its business as part of a drive to reduce greenhouse gases. It uses electric aircraft tugs at Sydney and Canberra.

“With more than 10,000 pieces of Qantas ground services equipment like catering trucks, aircraft loaders and other vehicles all running on diesel, even just a small shift to electric power will have an enormous impact in the move to a sustainable future,” a Qantas statement said.

As part of this, Qantas also has an ongoing collaboration with Tesla, include mileage offsetting and electric charging facilities.